Lafayette man arrested in benefits fraud

LAFAYETTE - State police say a 47-year-old Lafayette man, who collected more than $83,000 in disability benefits, is accused of operating two businesses out of his home at a time when he claimed he had no income.

During their investigation, state police say it was discovered that 47-year-old Alan Jude Bernard also had committed tax fraud through the auto sales business.

Troopers say Bernard filed false statements to the Social Security Administration and the Louisiana Department of Disability Determination Services when he applied for disability benefits.

Police say he's also accused of illegally lowering the sales prices on his auto-sales receipts to reduce tax costs.

Bernard was booked with felony theft, filing false public records and first-degree injuring public records.